Alexander Dmitrievich Sheremetev, born on February 27, 1859, in St. Petersburg and died on May 18, 1931, in Saint-Genèvieve-des-Bois, was a Russian patron of the arts and music lover from the Sheremetev family. He founded a private orchestra, led the Court Singing Chapel, and served as a major general in the suite of His Majesty. Sheremetev owned the estates of Ostankino, Ulyanka, Voronovo, and Sheremetev Manor.

Although from childhood Alexander Sheremetev dreamed of a military career and successfully graduated from the Page Corps, after which he joined the Cavalry Guard Regiment, his heart was always drawn to the arts, especially music. He studied musical instruments with the famous composer Theodor Leschetizky, vocal with the outstanding bass-baritone Ivan Melnikov, and developed his musical abilities under the guidance of the conductor of the Russian Imperial Guard, Vasily Vurm.

At the age of 23, Alexander Sheremetev created a private orchestra, which began holding symphonic concerts for the general public in 1898. With the growing popularity of the orchestra, the count engaged in philanthropy, donating 20,000 rubles in 1908 to establish scholarships named after Rimsky-Korsakov at the St. Petersburg Conservatory.

Sheremetev's orchestra became a pioneer in the cultural life of Russia, introducing the public to works by composers such as Jean Sibelius and Richard Strauss. On December 21, 1913, at Sheremetev's initiative, the Russian premiere of Richard Wagner's opera 'Parsifal' took place.

In addition to music, Alexander Sheremetev was actively involved in other affairs. As an officer for special assignments at the Ministry of Defense, he oversaw the development of fire brigades in Russia, some of which he personally financed. He also contributed to the establishment of aviation and automotive units in the army, which was a novelty at that time. After the events of October, Sheremetev moved to Paris, where he died at the age of 72.